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Packers Team Report
8/11/2006
By Tom Silverstein
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: QB Brett Favre hasn't mastered coach Mike McCarthy's version of the West Coast offense yet and continues to throw interceptions during camp at an alarming rate. Some can be attributed to Favre's transition to the offense and a host of new receivers, but the offense isn't that much different and he has made some bad decisions during the first two weeks of camp. Favre's arm looks fresh and he's moving around well enough. It will be his decision making that determines whether he has another interception-dominated season. . . .
Rookie WR Greg Jennings has hands down been the best player during camp. No one has consistently made plays the way Jennings has and it seems he's destined to become a starter opposite Donald Driver. Jennings runs precise, disciplined routes and rarely drops balls. He does most of his work over the middle, so he must prove he's strong enough to handle the punishment.
NEWCOMER REPORT: It's been an uneventful start for rookie LB A.J. Hawk. Most people thought his athletic ability would result in big plays from the very start, but Hawk has been very ordinary. In fact, third-round LB Abdul Hodge has made more plays than Hawk and is pushing to be a starter. Hawk hasn't been bad, but one would expect at least a big play or two from the fifth pick in the draft.
SCOUTING REPORT: Rookie G Jason Spitz will add toughness to the offensive line. Few rookies are as good with their hands as Spitz, who rarely gets them outside the opponent's numbers. He can move laterally and isn't afraid to punish people when he can. His biggest hurdle will be protecting the quarterback on a consistent basis. Spitz can anchor down on a bull rush, but is sometimes susceptible to finesse moves against quick defensive tackles.
TRAINING CAMP BATTLES: The race for the starting strongside linebacker position could become crowded when the club decides to move Hodge there. Up until now, Hodge has been strictly in the middle, but he will gradually be worked in on the strong side because Nick Barnett is entrenched in the middle. Hodge has better instincts and more explosiveness than veteran Ben Taylor or second-year pro Brady Poppinga. Taylor offers experience and steadiness, but if Hodge can master the position he'll start. He's quick in short bursts, but lacks refined coverage skills and needs to clean up his game before being considered a starter.
8/11/2006
By Tom Silverstein
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: QB Brett Favre hasn't mastered coach Mike McCarthy's version of the West Coast offense yet and continues to throw interceptions during camp at an alarming rate. Some can be attributed to Favre's transition to the offense and a host of new receivers, but the offense isn't that much different and he has made some bad decisions during the first two weeks of camp. Favre's arm looks fresh and he's moving around well enough. It will be his decision making that determines whether he has another interception-dominated season. . . .
Rookie WR Greg Jennings has hands down been the best player during camp. No one has consistently made plays the way Jennings has and it seems he's destined to become a starter opposite Donald Driver. Jennings runs precise, disciplined routes and rarely drops balls. He does most of his work over the middle, so he must prove he's strong enough to handle the punishment.
NEWCOMER REPORT: It's been an uneventful start for rookie LB A.J. Hawk. Most people thought his athletic ability would result in big plays from the very start, but Hawk has been very ordinary. In fact, third-round LB Abdul Hodge has made more plays than Hawk and is pushing to be a starter. Hawk hasn't been bad, but one would expect at least a big play or two from the fifth pick in the draft.
SCOUTING REPORT: Rookie G Jason Spitz will add toughness to the offensive line. Few rookies are as good with their hands as Spitz, who rarely gets them outside the opponent's numbers. He can move laterally and isn't afraid to punish people when he can. His biggest hurdle will be protecting the quarterback on a consistent basis. Spitz can anchor down on a bull rush, but is sometimes susceptible to finesse moves against quick defensive tackles.
TRAINING CAMP BATTLES: The race for the starting strongside linebacker position could become crowded when the club decides to move Hodge there. Up until now, Hodge has been strictly in the middle, but he will gradually be worked in on the strong side because Nick Barnett is entrenched in the middle. Hodge has better instincts and more explosiveness than veteran Ben Taylor or second-year pro Brady Poppinga. Taylor offers experience and steadiness, but if Hodge can master the position he'll start. He's quick in short bursts, but lacks refined coverage skills and needs to clean up his game before being considered a starter.
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